Skip to main content
Menu
(858) 453-3133

Home»Face»Facelift & Neck Lift

Facelift & Neck Lift

The word “facelift” may conjure the image of someone looking pulled and unnatural, but thanks to innovations in technique and technology, today’s facelifts are more effective and natural-looking than ever — if a patient is in the right hands. Men and women who undergo a facelift look refreshed, rested, healthy, and years younger. By tightening the underlying tissue as well as removing excess skin, plastic surgeon Scott Miller, MD achieves naturally beautiful facial rejuvenation, allowing patients to age more gracefully.

Questions about facial plastic surgery?

Visit our specialty site on facelift surgery to learn more about our facial rejuvenation options and to discover the best facelift techniques to achieve your goals. Rendering of Scott Miller Cosmetic Facelift Specialty Site as viewed on laptopDr. Miller provides tailored solutions to resolve common concerns such as sagging skin, eyelid creases, lines around the nose and mouth, and other indications of premature facial aging.

Visit Our Specialty Site

What is a Facelift?

A facelift is designed to correct signs of facial aging, such as deep creases, jowls along the cheeks and jawline, and loose or sagging skin. As we grow older and our body’s natural collagen production diminishes, the skin typically loses its elasticity and the underlying facial muscles as well as fatty deposits can become lax. Combined, these changes can obscure the youthful contours of the face and make patients look much older than they feel. A facelift is a powerful solution to these concerns. By repositioning and tightening the underlying facial tissue, Dr. Miller reveals one’s natural facial contours, creating a more rejuvenated and vital appearance. Results are very natural, patients look like they feel— a younger, more vibrant version of themselves.

What is a Neck Lift?

In most cases, signs of aging aren’t exclusive to the face. The neck experiences many of the same changes that occur over time, including loose skin, lax musculature, and excess fatty deposits. As a result, patients often develop horizontal neck bands and/or a buildup of sagging tissue under the chin. Dr. Miller performs a neck lift to refresh the neck area in complement with a facelift, resulting in a more complete rejuvenation. Excess fatty deposits are removed, while skin and underlying musculature are tightened. This creates a more defined contour in the chin and jawline, revealing a naturally beautiful neck profile.

Why Choose Dr. Miller to Be Your Facelift Surgeon?

Dr. Scott Miller is uniquely qualified when it comes to facelift and neck lift procedures. After earning his M.D. at the University of California Irvine and completing his plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the University of California San Diego, Dr. Miller was chosen for a prestigious fellowship with world-renowned plastic surgeon Bruce Connell, MD, the “father of the modern facelift.” By working closely with Dr. Connell, Dr. Miller truly honed his skills and knowledge of facial aesthetics. This invaluable fellowship experience in combination with Dr. Miller’s artistic eye and surgical skill has helped him to become “the one to see” for naturally beautiful facial rejuvenation.

What are the Benefits of a Facelift and Neck Lift?

A face and neck lift procedure can offer notable benefits when performed by a skilled board-certified plastic surgeon. This procedure can help you look the way you feel while offering:

The best outcomes are usually seen when patients are healthy, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations for their results. A consultation with Dr. Miller can help determine whether a facelift is the best facial procedure to achieve the results you envision.

bna-sample Before
bna-sample After
bna-sample Before
bna-sample After
bna-sample Before
bna-sample After
bna-sample Before
bna-sample After
Photo Gallery

Who is a Good Candidate for a Facelift and Neck Lift?

A facelift and neck lift are designed to remove excess, sagging skin while simultaneously tightening any loose underlying facial tissues. This popular surgery is often used to reverse some of the most common signs of age. Candidates for this procedure will typically have one or more concerns in the face, including:

  • Wrinkles
  • Loose or sagging skin
  • Jowls
  • Hollowed cheeks

During the consultation process, Dr. Miller performs a physical examination, reviews your medical history, and carefully discusses your lifestyle and expectations to help ensure a facelift and neck lift are the best methods to achieve your individual aesthetic goals. Ideal candidates for this procedure are in good overall health, do not smoke, and maintain realistic expectations.

Can I Undergo a Facelift if I Smoke?

Dr. Miller recommends that candidates stop smoking at least six months prior to surgery, as smoking can cause complications during recovery. Additionally, smoking after facelift and neck lift surgery may negatively impact the final results of the procedure.

How is the Facelift and Neck Lift Procedure Performed?

The procedure usually takes three to five hours. An incision is made from the temple down along the front of the ear and behind the earlobe to the back of the neck. The facial muscles are lifted and repositioned. The skin is then draped back over the newly-lifted tissue and any excess skin is removed. A small incision under the chin allows removal of excess fat and tightening of the neck muscles. The incisions are closed meticulously in layers along the natural facial planes and creases to allow minimal scarring and maximal camouflage and concealment. Together, the tightening of skin and underlying tissues reduces wrinkles and creases, restoring the naturally beautiful facial highlights and contours of youth.

What is the Recovery From Facelift and Neck Lift Like?

As with any surgery, patients can expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days immediately following the procedure. During this time, such feelings are controlled with medication. Any dressings are removed within the first few days, and swelling and bruising typically subside over a week or two. If patients experience numbness, this should fade within three to six months of surgery. Post-operatively, sun protection is a must to protect incisions and promote better scar healing.

How Long Do the Results of a Facelift and Neck Lift Last?

While Dr. Miller’s surgical skill and expertise provide patients with beautiful, lasting results, having a facelift and neck lift does not stop the clock. Aging does continue according to your genes, your lifestyle habits, and the passage of time. For some, the benefit of always looking younger than their age is sufficient. Others want to maintain a vital, energetic, and youthful appearance, opting for follow-up procedures in 5 – 15 years. Some patients choose to combine their procedure with a forehead lift to elevate sagging eyebrows or eyelid surgery to minimize bags around the eyes, further enhancing and maintaining facial harmony.

Are There Alternatives to Facelift Surgery?

A facelift is by far the most powerful and effective procedure to reduce jowls, loose skin, and other visible signs of age. However, if you are interested in temporary facial rejuvenation before a special occasion, or simply because you want to look more refreshed, dermal fillers can be an excellent treatment to renew your facial features without surgery or downtime. Our practice offers popular injectables like JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA to subtly augment the face and combat age-related volume loss.

Made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance in the body that helps the skin appear full and hydrated, JUVÉDERM® can be injected to smooth creases, restore fullness to sunken areas of the face, and generally add volume around the cheeks and nose. Depending on your concerns and which product is utilized, the effects of these dermal fillers can last approximately 6 to 18 months.

Unmatched Patient Satisfaction

I love the results of my surgery with Dr. Miller. Looks very natural and I could not be more happy. My recovery was also amazing. Dr. Miller and his staff are amazing !!

Priscylla Connelly

November 30, 2017

12345

Will I Have Visible Facelift Scars?

By lifting the underlying tissues of the face and neck, there is little tension placed on the skin. This level of structural support leads to much better incision healing when compared to other techniques. Also, Dr. Miller meticulously places facelift and neck lift incisions in discreet locations, allowing scars to exist inconspicuously within the natural contours of the face and neck. Scars from a facelift are generally hidden in the hairline as well as along the front and behind the ear, while neck lift scars are typically concealed under the chin. These scars can heal very well if proper care is taken while incisions are healing, Dr. Miller and his team will provide you with instructions on how to minimize scarring after surgery. Facelift and neck lift scars continue to fade as time passes.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

Your consultation will be an opportunity for Dr. Miller to determine the details of your treatment plan, at which point you will receive a personalized quote of your facelift and neck lift expenses. The cost of this procedure is generally influenced by:

Once your needs are assessed by Dr. Miller, our Patient Care Coordinator will provide you with an exact cost breakdown of your treatment. To make the price of surgery more manageable, our practice works with CareCredit®— a highly reputable plastic surgery financing company used nationwide. Giving patients the option of paying for their treatment over time, CareCredit® allows qualified applicants to choose from a variety of payment plans with low monthly installments as well as low- to no-interest rates. If you have questions about the application process, or would like more information about the cost of a facelift and neck lift, please reach out to our team today.

Please contact our practice today if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation.

Treatments to Preserve Facelift Results

Aging will continue based on your genetics and lifestyle habits, but facelift patients will always look younger and more refreshed than they would have without surgery. Once fully healed from a facelift, there are a range of non-surgical treatments that can prolong or enhance the results of surgery and help address mild signs of aging, such as volume loss, sun damage, and wrinkles. These treatments may include:

  • Laser skin resurfacing: Designed to completely transform the tone and texture of the skin, laser skin resurfacing can help you reduce sun spots, large pores, wrinkles, and other types of damage to reveal a healthier complexion. 
  • BOTOX® Cosmetic and Jeuveau™: These popular wrinkle-reducing injectables can smooth the fine lines that develop due to repetitive facial expressions, such as frown lines, brow creases, and crow’s feet. 
  • Facial fillers: Restylane®, JUVÉDERM®, Voluma®, and RHA® fillers can correct volume loss to achieve a plumper, fuller look and minimize facial creases, such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines. 
  • Microneedling: Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, often considered the most effective microneedling technique, fosters the growth of newer, softer, and healthier skin while helping tighten any looseness or laxity. 

The outcome of a facelift lasts for many years (even decades), but maintaining your results through non-invasive treatments can be a simple and low-cost way to preserve your rejuvenation. Signs of aging such as wrinkles, reduced tone and firmness, and an unhealthy skin texture can all be improved with the services above. Please don’t hesitate to inquire about our non-surgical services to learn about the treatment options that can help you maximize your facelift results. 

Other Treatments That Complement a Facelift

For some men and women, a more comprehensive approach is the best way to achieve their desired results. It’s important to keep in mind that a facelift only treats the lower face and neck area; therefore, addressing other concerns may require a procedure performed on another area of the face at the same time as your facelift. Combination treatment plans may include the addition of:

  • Upper facial procedures: Surgery to enhance the eyelids and brow is offered to help provide harmonious rejuvenation of the entire face. If you’re bothered by puffy eyelids or a sagging brow, Dr. Miller can discuss combining a facelift with blepharoplasty and/or a brow lift.
  • Neck liposuction: If you have a “double chin,” neck liposuction can remove excess fullness and better define your lower face and jawline. This typically offers a slimmer appearance in the face overall. 
  • Non-invasive services: Non-surgical treatments like laser skin resurfacing, microneedling, facials, and peels can pair well with a facelift after patients are fully healed from their procedure. These minimally invasive options can give you a bright, glowing complexion to highlight your youthful facial contours. 

Our open and honest consultations make it easy for patients to receive an optimal treatment plan to achieve their aesthetic goals. Facelift surgery can provide excellent results on its own, but facial rejuvenation is often maximized when the procedure is paired with similar treatments to address signs of aging in the entire face. Dr. Miller and our team would be happy to speak with you about your concerns and develop an ideal facelift plan for your unique needs. 

Is Facelift and Neck Lift Surgery Safe?

A facelift and neck lift can be a very safe and predictable procedure as long as you’re under the care of an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who can identify whether you’re a good candidate for treatment. Like all surgeries, a facelift comes with the risk of certain complications, including infection, loss of sensation, negative reactions to anesthesia, or poor wound healing. Ultimately, it’s your choice to determine whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Dr. Miller will answer all of your questions and address your concerns to help ensure you have the information to make an educated decision.

When it comes to selecting a qualified and reputable plastic surgeon for your unique needs, the importance of choosing a provider who has been accredited by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) cannot be overstated. Board-certified plastic surgeons have the highest level of training in aesthetic procedures and are required to consistently attend meetings and training courses. In addition, the American Board of Plastic Surgery routinely tests their plastic surgeons on pertinent knowledge in the field, also allowing them to stay up-to-date with evolving techniques. While no procedure is risk-free, a board-certified plastic surgeon has the experience to maximize your safety. That said, your choice of plastic surgeon is paramount to your health and overall satisfaction after facelift and neck lift surgery.

Is a Non-Surgical Facelift Possible?

While there are many non-surgical treatments that can improve the tone and texture of the skin, a facelift is the only way to effectively treat facial muscles and tissues causing jowls, creases, and other signs of aging. Unfortunately, minimally invasive technologies do not have the power to replicate the longevity, or the high quality of results produced by a facelift.

That said, non-surgical cosmetic treatments can be a great way to look more rested and youthful for patients who may not be quite ready for facelift surgery, or for those who want to touch up the results of their surgical procedure. Microneedling, laser skin resurfacing, facials, injectables, and other med spa services can help you enjoy a healthy, radiant look without the downtime associated with plastic surgery. Discussing your goals with a member of our skilled aesthetic team is the first step in developing a custom-made treatment plan tailored to your needs and preferences. Don’t hesitate to call our office for more information on the non-invasive treatments that can achieve your goals.

Facelift and Neck Lift FAQ

Does a facelift address the entire face?

A facelift primarily addresses signs of aging in the region between the cheekbones and the neck. If you would like to refresh the upper third of the face, eyelid surgery—with or without the addition of a brow lift—can help you eliminate sagging skin and musculature in the region above the cheeks. For comprehensive rejuvenation, it is not uncommon for patients to incorporate multiple procedures into their treatment plan for the best possible results.

Do I always need a neck lift with my facelift?

Since the face and neck often age simultaneously, most patients benefit from both procedures—particularly if sagging skin and fatty deposits in the neck have resulted in horizontal bands or a “turkey neck.” Dr. Miller typically performs a facelift and neck lift together in order to achieve a comprehensive outcome that looks natural and beautiful. However, your concerns and overall goals will ultimately determine whether a neck lift should be performed with your facelift.

How can I reduce swelling after a facelift?

Swelling is to be expected for roughly six months after surgery, but the majority of inflammation should dissipate within the first three months. You can help swelling subside during the recovery period by sleeping with the head slightly elevated, limiting salt intake, and wearing any compression garments or dressings for the amount of time prescribed by Dr. Miller.

Is facelift surgery different for women and men?

While the general facelift procedure is the same for all patients, there are key differences in male and female facial aesthetics that Dr. Miller considers when performing plastic surgery for men. This involves restoring a more youthful version of a male patient while avoiding an “overdone,” or overly tight appearance. Care is taken to preserve the masculine contours of the face and conceal scarring for a subtle, natural-looking result.

What’s the best age for a facelift?

There is truly no “best age” for a facelift, and candidacy for the procedure simply relies on whether you want to address the concerns that a facelift seeks to resolve. There are individuals in their fifties who may not need facial rejuvenation, while other patients in their thirties may exhibit jowling or loose skin and benefit from a facelift. If your aesthetic goals include a more youthful facial appearance, Dr. Miller can assess your concerns and help you decide whether a facelift is the most ideal treatment for your needs.

How should I sleep after a facelift?

It’s very important to sleep on the back with your head elevated after facelift surgery so your incisions are able to heal correctly. This position will also help reduce swelling and facilitate a smoother recovery period. Following your procedure, Dr. Miller will give you further instructions on activity restrictions and how to sleep and shower after a facelift.

How long does it take to heal from a facelift?

Every patient’s recovery timeline differs based on their unique rate of healing. The best thing a patient can do to speed up and ease the recovery process is to follow their post-operative instructions carefully. That said, individuals are generally able to return to work within two weeks, at which point many patients begin to see improvements in facial swelling and the healing of their incisions. After about four to six weeks, facelift patients should be able to fully resume their normal routines, including activities like exercise and heavy lifting. Dr. Miller will be able to personally advise you on your individual recovery during your post-operative follow-up visits.

How long before I can wear makeup after a facelift?

You should refrain from applying makeup for two to three weeks after your procedure, or for as long as it takes for your incisions to fully heal. Makeup can introduce bacteria, dirt, and other impurities into the skin, thereby increasing the risk of infection. When you are cleared to resume wearing makeup again, we recommend replacing your older products with new ones to further minimize bacteria buildup near your incisions.

What is a mini facelift?

A mini facelift is a less extensive version of the full facelift procedure that primarily addresses sagging skin in the lower face. Compared to a standard facelift, a mini facelift is most successful for patients who have less facial sagging and skin laxity. Smaller incisions are also typically utilized during a mini facelift to correct jowls along the face and neck.

Will a facelift look natural?

When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who has substantial experience in facial rejuvenation, a facelift can achieve results that look beautifully natural. The goal of facelift surgery should be to achieve a more youthful aesthetic while preserving the character of a patient’s face, which is how Dr. Miller approaches every facelift procedure. We encourage you to explore our before-and-after photos to learn more about what to expect from the potential results of a facelift plus neck lift.